Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Malibongwe Mtima, confirmed that seven educators from St John’s College in Mthatha have been placed on precautionary suspension following allegations of sexual relationships with and impregnating learners at the school, pending the outcome of an investigation.
This action comes after a protest and the shutting down of the college by learners demanding justice for those allegedly victimised by the educators last week.
“The allegations raised by learners during a meeting with the department include sexual harassment, victimisation of learners by educators, death threats, corruption within the school, inadequate provision of nutrition for learners, intoxicated educators on school premises, and drug abuse by both learners and educators,” Mtima said.
He stated that a task team was subsequently established by the OR Tambo Inland District Director, Fundiswa Makrwede, to conduct a preliminary investigation into these matters.
Mtima revealed that a team of officials visited the school and engaged with the School Management Team, the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and teachers’ unions.
“After concluding the preliminary investigation, the allegations were confirmed. To ensure the safety of the affected learners, the department has placed all seven educators on precautionary suspension while the investigation continues. The full investigation is scheduled to commence on 22 September 2025,” Mtima said last week.
He stated that the department has also activated psychosocial support for all affected learners, providing debriefing and counselling services through psychologists and social workers.
The official investigation, starting this Monday, will focus on allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct, with three female investigators assigned to handle the harassment claims.
Mtima added that the local police station had been informed to monitor the situation.
“The police have advised the victims of sexual harassment and abuse to report the incidents individually at the police station and not through the department. They also assisted in managing tensions when students attempted to set fire to classrooms, the hostel and the school generator,” he explained.
MEC for the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape, Fundile Gade, announced that all learners, aside from Grade 12 students, had been temporarily released to ensure stability at the school. Grade 12 learners were allowed to remain on campus to continue writing their trial examinations.
“We have taken steps to prevent further disruptions during this critical period, as it could impact examination conditions. South African national laws explicitly protect learners from any form of abuse, as outlined in the Constitution. Section 17 (1)(c) of the Employment of Educators Act 76 of 1998, as amended, classifies such acts as serious misconduct,” explained Gade.
He further emphasised that the South African Schools Act requires educators to act in loco parentis (in place of parents).
Gade described the alleged acts as a breach of trust with parents and stated that the department is committed to supporting the victims of such heinous misconduct.
One learner, speaking to the Express, said they felt relieved that the educators were no longer present at the school.
“I am not happy that they are still roaming the streets of Mthatha freely. Students are not safe because of that,” the learner stated.
Police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo, confirmed that no case had been opened by learners from the school at the time of going of to print.
